SemperAptus.com - The SportBrain is back!

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The SportBrain is back! - Well, almost...
by Michael Gabrillo, Editor-in-Chief

"This product must make a comeback because it sets the standard for standalone Internet-enabled devices."

At the turn of the century, many fitness freaks were setting there standards for buffness online. A product called the SportBrain was the latest rage. Attached to the belt, the egg shaped device counts your steps like a pedometer. It does not have a display, so you must plug the unit into the SportPort (shown in the picture above) which uploads your data to the SportBrain Web site, without a computer or any user interaction whatsoever. In short, the SportBrain was the perfect Internet appliance.

SPORTBRAIN.COM

Once your data was uploaded, you could log into the SportBrain Web site and monitor your fitness progress. Calories burned, miles walked and a comparison to your previous progress all appear online, plus you could chart your workouts compared to other users, set goals, and even share your progress with friends and family, who could cheer you on along the way.

Although the device you wear on your hip has no display, you can log onto the SportBrain website to track your progress.

WHAT HAPPENED?

As you might have noticed, this article is written in the "past tense." That's because as I first started writing this article in 2001, SportBrain couldn't arrange for funding to keep the company afloat (see our related article Death of Devices?). The company closed, the Web site was shut down and everyone holding a SportBrain device felt like they were holding the carcass of their favorite pet. Blogs expressed grief over the loss of their little fitness helper and we tossed another useless product into our "dead device graveyard."

SPORTBRAIN: THE COMEBACK KID

But the blogs that once mourned the SportBrain's passing lit up again with glimmers of hope and joy. In late 2002 the SportBrain Web site was reactivated and users everywhere dug their SportBrain out of drawers, attics and gym lockers. And, for those that already own the device, service is free until March 16, 2003.

As of today, the SportBrain is not available for retail sale. Although you can still find them in electronics stores and on auction sites, the company has not reopened their online store to distribute the units to new and eager consumers.

The SportBrain in action

The diminutive SportBrain is so small you'll
hardly notice it and so light (.9 ounces)
you might forget it's there.

I'd like to offer a message to SportBrain: This product must make a comeback because it sets the standard for standalone Internet-enabled devices. Although I am far from a fitness freak, I have never been so impressed with a product in my entire life. SportBrain is incredibly easy-to-use and actually motivates me to move. Even as I sit at this desk I'm trying to guess how many steps a round of golf would add to my SportBrain account. And the difference between walking and riding in a golf cart. In short, this device actually encourages me to exercise. And that alone is worth the price of this product. SportBrain and your financial backers, you have succeeded. Please re-release the product so that others can learn how amazing this little egg shaped personal trainer is!

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